P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Marc Marquez’s tactic to drop behind brother Alex in the MotoGP season-opening Thailand Grand Prix was no pre-planned strategy but simply a bid to avoid a penalty
Marc Marquez’s decision to drop behind his brother Alex in the MotoGP season-opening Thailand Grand Prix was not part of a pre-planned strategy, but rather a move to avoid a penalty due to his front tyre pressure being too low. Despite having the best pace and leading by over a second, Marquez intentionally fell behind Alex and followed him for half the race. By riding in a very deliberate manner, Marquez managed to keep his front tyre pressure up by staying close to his brother and heating up the tyre. This tactic of closely monitoring his tyre pressure and adjusting his riding style helped Marquez complete the race without incurring a penalty. The introduction of tyre pressure monitoring in MotoGP has added a new element to race strategy, with riders like Marquez having to adapt and make strategic decisions during the race. Marquez’s calculated approach and ability to adjust his riding style on the fly ultimately paid off in the Thailand Grand Prix.